*Thanks so much for this!* I was sharpening the children's pencils when, all of a sudden, the motor was turning, but pencils weren't sharpened. Now that I have time to take it apart, I see what the trouble is and how to fix it. _I just need that washer._ Most people would have thrown the whole thing away and purchased a new one. We aren't that rich. 😊 You were a big help! Thanks again.
_Update:_ I found a washer/nut just like that one that you have and attached it to the gear, tightened everything back together, and now have a working sharpener. Thanks! Many blessings.
***** I recently moved and I could not find my pencil sharpener and was not happy about it then I found it in a container with my other things. I did not want to buy a new one. I like the idea that I fixed mine and wanted to keep it. Every time I sharpen a pencil it reminds me of when I fixed it. Sometimes I have to lessen the pressure of the pencil for the wheel to turn and rotate smoothly. It will last longer that way. I am glad that my video helped you.
Long story short: the plastic worm gear on the motor shaft cracks loosening it and allowing it to slide off drive gear. As alternative to replacing worm gear, as this part is not available, use some sort of spacer on the motor shaft that keeps the worm gear from sliding back. I used a series of washers.
Had the same problem, small motor side gear is definitely cracked and split. I used your washer technique, however, since the motor side gear is split and kind of expanded it makes a noise as it is not 100% aligned with the turn wheel. Also, since the motor side gear is not tight on the shaft, it can slip when you try to sharpen new pencils, you just have to lightly push the pencil in. It's a shame, that the gear is so defective... but should be able to get a few more miles out of this using this hack. Thx for posting.
I really think the split is for expansion of the gear for when it gets hot. It is a clean split like manufactured made and it just makes sense to allow for expansion when getting hot. You have to install the nut and washer to take up the space that makes it slip back or it won't work. Good luck Thx
I've exactly same problem, a stupid or a smart design - they intensively to make product unreliable to make money. I did similar fix yet works for a short time, when plastic gears moves it actually cracked and will soon by free from axis. I can't found replacement parts.
My Dad taught me to always pick up stuff like that on the ground so you can be MacGyver later. I have so many nuts, washers, & bolts, pieces of tin strips, nails, tools etc. It comes in handy one day. Enjoy your walk, lol.
Thanks for this. We had an almost new sharpener which stopped working after a move. This was the problem exactly. After some minimal disassembly (which X-acto makes easy, so thanks to them also), it was obvious what the two gears weren't meeting, but without your guidance I wouldn't have taken the next step. This was a thoroughly easy and satisfying repair. Start to finish, 20 minutes.
Thanks for this video. I had the same issue with mine and fixed it with an oversized washer (no nut). Not sure how much longer it will last, but it's satisfying to get a few more miles out of it and avoid shelling out for a new one!
Just wondering how your sharpener is holding up after this fix. I tried this, but after I put the nut in, there was a lot of resistance on the gears turning. I haven't turned mine back on, because I think my lower, smaller gear is broken and I didn't want to wear down the good gear. Thank for sharing your video.
Anthony Churbock I assume you used the exact same type of washer that has a nut connected to it and it also spins. If you did use this same type of combo washer- nut then we are on the same page. I experience a little resistance when I first push the pencil in then I back the pencil off and help turn it back and forth. You can see me do that at the end of my video. I thought my lower gear was broke too! It has a slash in it. I looked at it carefully with a magnifying glass and at the type of break it portrays and it looks factory made. That is why I think it is to allow for expansion if it gets hot. Thus, causing it to slip. That is why I don't know why they made it that way with out some kind of spacer to keep it from slipping backwards. That is my conclusion to the problem I could be wrong, but mine is still working great. I don't know the name of that washer that has a nut connected to it and it also spins, but it sure is useful. I think it might be used on the axels on small wheels or something.
You're a life saver!!!! The exact thing happened to my Xacto pencil sharpener and thanks to you I knew how to fix it! I think they make it "faulty" on purpose so we have to keep buying. What a dishonest way to make business!
